August 2008

August 31, 2008

The Cowboys are targeting former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brooks Bollinger as their future No. 3 quarterback. So what do you think of Bollinger? Impressed by the 6-of-18 performance the other night against the Cowboys? He was part of the final cuts in Minnesota as the Vikes kept rookie draft pick John David Booty and veteran Gus Frerotte as backups to Tarvaris Jackson.

Little background the 28-year-old Brooks....he is in his 6th year and played the last two in Minnesota and his first three with the New York Jets. He has started 10 games in the NFL, including nine in 2005 with the Jets.

If the Cowboys sign him it wouldn't likely be until next week to avoid paying him the guaranteed salary due veterans by being on the season-opening roster.

Also, you have to think backup QB Brad Johnson is in the background giving an endorsement of Bollinger to the Cowboys. The two played together in Minnesota and were buddy-buddy after the game at Texas Stadium on Thursday night.

The one last spot is expected to be filled by QB Richard Bartel, who cleared waivers but got some interest from Miami. Here's the problem for the Grapevine product. He may only be here for one week. The Cowboys are looking to add a third quarterback to their 53-man roster with NFL experience and they are targeting Vikings-ex Brooks Bollinger, who was part of the final cuts.

August 30, 2008

Are you Cowboys fans ready for a special teams boost? Former special teams captain Keith Davis has reached a contract agreement to return to the Dallas Cowboys. Davis, who left as a free agent for the Dolphins in the offseason, was released by Bill Parcells and Co. surprisingly last week allowing the reunion for the Italy native to become possible.

Davis has not yet signed as the the Cowboys must make room for him on the roster. Dallas could release OT James Marten or CB Alan Ball to free a spot.

What does KD's return mean? The Cowboys would hope he could clean up their coverage issues. He is a leader and difference maker assistant Bruce Read is missing and always talks about missing. Should help with a little job security for the coach too.

Now, I know the coverage teams struggled at times with Davis last year. But in his defense he was dealing with a torn pectoral muscle for most of the year. Davis also can't come back to town wanting a starting role because there's not one for him here. His speciality is special teams and he could be a valuable new piece for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Here's the Cowboys final 53-man roster, but it could change in the upcoming days and the team may be at work looking to deal. Two players that made the cut might be candidates in CB Alan Ball and OT James Marten, they were seventh and third round picks respectively last year....

The Cowboys have made their final cuts pushing it until the 5 p.m. deadline before deciding on the 53 players. Here are the 21 players they released and they also placed Larry Allen on the reserved/retired list.

August 29, 2008

Ok, now catch your breath. The Cowboys really did sign the 11-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman but not to replace Kyle Kosier. It is so he can retire as a Dallas Cowboy. The formal announcement has not been officially set. Allen played the last two seasons with the 49ers after destroying defenders with the Cowboys from 1994-2005.

Allen is the most decorated offensive player in the franchise's history so this is a fitting way for the big guy to go out. His next stop will be Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Can't wait for that acceptance speech from the man of few words.

Also, the Cowboys released guard Adam Stenavich to make room for Allen on the roster. Poor Adam. Somebody had to go though.

Note: For fans scanning the Cowboys roster on NFL.com, Allen will appear. He is technically on the active roster but the Cowboys are turning in his retirement paperwork on Saturday.

Cowboys wide receiver Sam Hurd has been ruled out for the season opener at Cleveland with a high left ankle sprain. No further timetable was given on his status. Cowboys are now left with two healthy receivers with NFL experience in Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the game Thursday night that he doesn't plan on signing a new receiver after the NFL cuts on Saturday.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips just had a brief press conference but didn't have any news on injured wideout Sam Hurd's sprained left ankle. Hurd has had an MRI, but we are waiting for a possible update on his condition.

Wade also said there is a possibility Isaiah Stanback (shoulder injury) could play in the season opener....Also, LB Kevin Burnett is expected to return to practice Wednesday and play against Cleveland. He is coming off minor knee surgery.